As is usual in these books, Bolitho is immediately embroiled in hair raising personal adventures. In this case, the famous mutinies that swept through portions of the British Navy affect a frigate that is supposed to be a part of the squadron and the mutineers turn to Bolitho for help.

Once that issue is dealt with, we are introduced to the new Admiral and away goes the squadron to the Mediterranean to pursue some hare brained scheme that a mysterious civilian with lots of important connections has hatched. This civilian knows much about Bolitho's family situation including his brother's and nephew's names and positions which make for very creepy situations.